Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our sports newsletter here.

FC Buffalo’s former starter from 2021-2022, Emily Kelly, signed with Australia’s Gungahlin United FC in 2023 following her graduation from the University at Buffalo. With Kelly gone, FC Buffalo head coach Nikki Bartholomew needed a replacement.

Shea Vanderbosch quickly erased any concern Bartholomew had about her club’s goalkeeping position.

“She filled some really big shoes,” Bartholomew said.

Vanderbosch joined FC Buffalo, a club team competing in the United Women’s Soccer League, prior to her sophomore year. She immediately slotted into a starting role and excelled in her two months with the squad. Vanderbosch’s offseason with Buffalo prepared her for the 2023 season with Syracuse where she has saved 124 shots. Heading into SU’s final regular season game of the year, Vanderbosch stands just 15 away from surpassing the program’s single-season record.

FC Buffalo’s roster consists mainly of local players. Being from Lancaster, NY, Vanderbosch was a perfect fit. The club expressed interest in her out of high school, but she didn’t want to rush the summer after graduating.

Despite entering her freshman season at Syracuse with a preseason injury, Vanderbosch shined in her freshman season. She recorded 66 saves with a .815 save percentage and was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman team.

The following offseason, Vanderbosch reconnected with FC Buffalo over winter break. She and her twin sister Kam participated in an open tryout. Following the trial, Vanderbosch committed to Buffalo for the summer.

Playing for a premiere summer club in the offseason was vital for Vanderbosch’s progression. Vanderbosch said she struggled her freshman year with the speed of the Division I game, but her time at Buffalo helped her smoothen the transition.

Vanderbosch practiced with FC Buffalo two times a week, training against 23 Division I players, including reigning UWSL Offensive Player of the Year Carissima Cutrona. In her 7 UWSL games, she gave up just three goals and helped Buffalo to a 9-1 record in the regular season.

“I think it was important for me to put my best effort forward for my team and practice how I play and really be prepared for the big teams that we face in the ACC,” Vanderbosch said.

After watching her compete, FC Buffalo owner Nick Mendola agreed with Bartholomew’s statement. He said the team was just as good in net as they were with Kelly.

Arlo Stone | Digital Design Director

“It’s just not a surprise to see the continual feed of Shea highlights on the Syracuse women’s soccer feed,” Mendola said.

Upon returning for her sophomore season, Vanderbosch’s improvement has been apparent. Against then-No. 3 Florida State on Sept. 21, Vanderbosch notched a career high 16 saves. The performance came one short of SU’s single-game record.

Vanderbosch has kept the Orange competitive in a majority of their games this season. She’s recorded 7.29 saves per game — the seventh most among 150 Division I goalkeepers. She’s also recorded double-digit stops in five contests. In SU’s final regular season game against Virginia on Thursday, Vanderbosch has a chance to make history.

“I’m not a little freshman anymore,” Vanderbosch said. “I feel like I’m communicating more because I wasn’t as timid as I was freshman year… now I have more confidence to speak up and be the leader from the back.”

Published on October 26, 2023 at 12:02 am

Contact Justin: justingirshon@gmail.com | @JustinGirshon